7 Night Island Hopper Cruise from Bridgetown

The historic capital of Barbados, Bridgetown, contains centuries of colonial architecture that display the spread of the British Empire. The Barbados Garrison, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, consists of many old buildings filled with the fascinating history of how the island grew into what it is today. Lying along the southwest coast of Carlisle Bay, it also offers beautiful and serene beach scenes with soft, white sand. And it's an enticing destination with ancient shipwrecks to dive and explore near the coast, like the S.S. Stavronikita, one of the most popular dive sites in the entire Caribbean. A trip to Barbados is not complete without a sampling of the local rum at St. Nicholas Abbey, one of the oldest distilleries in the Caribbean.

A manmade lagoon sitting within the Gros Islet, Rodney Bay entices you with bars, restaurants, and shops that invite you to take things slow. Make a trek to Pigeon Island National Landmark, a highlight that encompasses the island's rich history with monuments depicting the many influences across its West Indian culture. Experience true magic as you look to the peaks of the Piton Mountains, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site for their natural beauty. Spend a day on the sunny, pristine beaches with opportunities for water sports like snorkeling, kitesurfing, big-game fishing, and diving. Find your way to the north side of Gros Islet to discover a small fishing village that offers a taste of local life, street food, rum shops, and calypso music.

The coastal community of Les Trois-Ilets - a municipality created by the intersection of Le Diamant, Les Anses-d'Arlet, and Sainte-Luce - is perhaps best known as the birthplace of French Empress Josephine, Napoleon Bonaparte's first wife. Her family's sugar plantation now stands as the site of Musee de la Pagerie, where you can find mementos from her childhood and a love letter that Napoleon once wrote to her. Nearby sits Maison de la Canne (House of Sugar), where you'll learn about the influence the sugar industry had on the community's development. While the white, sandy beaches and crystal waters are a major allure of the three islets, they also contain an area of lush forest perfect for nature walks, hiking and ecotourism.

On the island of Grande-Terre in Guadeloupe sits Pointe-a-Pitre, a charming town known for its energetic markets. At Marche de la Darse, watch the fishermen peddle their catch from boats harborside. Marche Saint-Antoine comes alive with the enticing aroma of local spices, fruits, and vegetables. Explore the island's history at Place de la Victoire, constructed in 1763 when the city itself was established. Colonial-style homes clustered around the square tell a story of the past that leads to the city's colorful personality today. A visit to Pointe-a-Pitre is only complete with a stop at Musee St-John Perse, a museum dedicated to Alexis Leger, better known as Saint-John Perse, a renowned Nobel laureate poet.

Among St. Kitts' stunning beaches is South Friar's Bay, a shoreline filled with snorkeling and tanning opportunities. Within this stretch of sand lies Carambola Beach, inviting you to unwind in a tropical paradise with a landscape of palm trees and lush mountain peaks. The luxury of a beach club and restaurants, loungers, and umbrellas beckon you to take it easy and relax for a day in the sun. Or feel free to play in the water with options for water sports. Not far from the beach lies the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park, a historical landmark that exemplifies the ingenuity of Britain's military engineering and one of the best-preserved fortifications in the Americas.

St. Barts, an island within the archipelago of the French West Indies, contains deep valleys, stunning beaches, and verdant, formerly active volcanic hills. Within all this sits the capital city of Gustavia with a diverse cultural heritage on display through Swedish colonial and French Creole architecture most easily seen in its signature red-roofed buildings. The beaches are the main attraction, offering unspoiled coves such as Gouverneur and quiet scenes like Grande Saline for more intimate beach days. For a more active adventure, do the Colombier Beach hike that leads you to the perfect snorkeling spot. Savor the exquisite flavors of Cajun and Creole seafood and staples like conch gratin, minced beef, and the island specialty - banana flambe.

White, sandy beach shores, azure waters, and palm trees on the horizon make Anguilla an absolute paradise. Rendezvous Bay Beach is a popular destination for a relaxing beach day with comfortable amenities. Stop by the renowned Elvis' Beach Bar in Sandy Ground to sample their famous rum punch. Walk along the main beach to take in the electric energy of dozens of restaurants and a bustling harbor. For quieter adventures, head to Sandy Island and enjoy a day of snorkeling and other water sports away from the crowds. Or venture a little further inland toward North Hill Village to satisfy your appetite at a local restaurant. Find your way to the Pamead shipwreck for an exciting adventure that sparks the imagination.

The island's diverse environment truly makes St. Maarten a marvel, as it is home to over 100 nationalities who speak more than 80 languages. The Dutch capital, Philipsburg, attracts visitors with its many art galleries, zoo, and casinos. Soft white sands against serene blue waters make Great Bay Beach a perfect paradise to lie back and relax or go jet skiing and snorkeling. Shop for jewelry, clothing, electronics, and perfume, all duty-free, along Philipsburg's famous Front Street. The Sint Maarten Museum can be found on this street too, rife with the country's history dating as far back as the Arawaks, the indigenous people of the Caribbean and South America.